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Two Halves of a Whole
| Open Poetry #1 |
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Two Halves of a Whole |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana 
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Twenty-eight anniversaries he's spent by himself. Each year, he pulls photos down from the shelf And for a few hours and with quite a few tears He lets memories take him back through the years. They met during the war. It was love at first sight - For him at least; She had a date that night. When she said she had plans, he only smiled And said "Tell him goodbye. I'll wait for a while." Days later, they married - he was shipping out. But she didn't whine and sulk and pout Even when their first child entered the world. She simply cabled "It wasn't a girl." He'd wanted a daughter, but took pride in his boy. His small family back home was his greatest joy And helped him through his terror and fear Until he returned to all he held dear. They never had money; their first home was a barn, But poverty wasn't seen as cause for alarm. They made the farm work, drew their drink from a well, Washed clothes in a tub, sold peas that they'd shelled. Laughter and love were the life that they knew So they took hand-me-downs and made clothes like new, Raised God-fearing children, were beloved by their friends, Felt fortunate though they lacked money to spend. They worked hard every day regardless of weather And thought of the years when they'd grow old together. But the dreams that they shared were not to be The prognosis was bad - six months, maybe three. Their love grew stronger as her body grew weak. Then one night his eyes said what his mouth couldn't speak. And the tears wet his cheeks as he buried his wife And wondered how he'd live the rest of his life Without his mate always at his side. For he loved her more than when she'd been his bride. Her sisters stopped visiting, said they couldn't bear Thinking of her in the home she had shared. His gentle reply filled them with guilt "To me, she's still here in this house that we built And I like that, for it's still a home - When I think of her smile, I'm not so alone." When the pictures are finished, he'll slide them back in their place, Put his cap on his head, brush the tears from his face, Walk to his truck and drive to the cemetery As he's done twenty-eight years on their anniversary. |
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| © Copyright 1999 suthern - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Toerag Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622Ala bam a |
Incredibly good kiddo.... |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
A wonderful capture of life's true events. Well done. ------------------ Sunshine Words will always express our feelings true. ~~~ KRJ Look, then, into thine heart, and write ~~~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow |
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pen of passion Member
since 1999-08-11
Posts 234 |
You made me cry. |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
Thank you all, very much!! |
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Blondie Member
since 1999-08-06
Posts 307Ohio |
beautiful poem suthern...never cease to amaze me with these wonderful stories. |
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Sue Member
since 1999-08-04
Posts 383France |
Sad, and very, very beautiful. |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
Thank you... I wrote it on my parents' anniversary... knowing where my dad would be and what he'd be doing. *S* |
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Toerag Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622Ala bam a |
Yanno?....I don't know whether Suthern's overdosing on Immodium, Pepto, or Cheddar cheese...but she sure seems to have her "chit" together lately....don't yall think? |
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RainbowGirl Member Elite
since 1999-07-31
Posts 3023United Kingdom |
Suthern Your folks were lucky to have you and to write that story for them..:-)) Thank heavens you have those memories..:-)) HUSG ------------------ You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give. |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
Toerag: I learned from the master, sweets! *G* And I don't think it's possible to overdose on Toerag! LOL RG: Thank you! |
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Toerag Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622Ala bam a |
But the hangover's a mother sweets!!! |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
But it'd be worth it, sweets... well worth it! *G* |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Truly beautiful, Suthern. It touches the heart. |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
Thank you, 'Deer... In a family that had nothing in the way of material possessions... we had so much. *S* |
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WhtDove Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245Illinois |
This don't quite cut it, but it was absolutely beautiful!!!! Most excellent poem! Very touching and heartfelt! I am held in awe by people like you, who don't have much as far as material things go and still You have such gratitude, and thankfulness of life. Your an inspiration! God bless ya suthern!!!!!!! |
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Lucie Senior Member
since 1999-06-20
Posts 1077Houston |
Got chills.. and tears.. and shudders.. and oh.. oh. .. I think I'm gonna cry again.. wonderful.. bravo!!!!! |
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elvira Senior Member
since 1999-07-06
Posts 936California |
thank you for the goosebumps, suthern, a sad poem can be so good for the soul  |
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Delores Hall Member
since 1999-07-16
Posts 342USA |
Very nice. |
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